2 Corinthians 7--"Paul's Joy"

"Since we have these promises" alludes to the promises of God in chapter 6 verses 16-18.  "Cleanse ourselves"  means to get rid of the wickedness  that stains us. It doesn't imply we are able to save ourselves from sin, but choices can be made based on our respect of the presence of God.  Paul continues the theme of his love for the Corinthians.  News of their support for and love towards his ministry greatly encourages Paul.  

Paul's heart is so connected to this group of believers.  He wants so badly for them to understand all God has promised them.  He is concerned what they've heard of his affliction.  He's worried that they've heard the slander, the lies, the rumors of his death, the claims that he is an imposter.  Paul asks for some loyalty, a vote of confidence on his behalf as he faces these hardships.  Titus was Paul's trusted friend and missionary.  He was also a Gentile convert like many of the believers in Corinth, and he served as a messenger between the Corinthians and Paul.  Titus reported back to Paul that they WERE sad at all they'd heard of Paul.  Paul regretted that he was causing them grief, but he was also rejoicing because that grief was life-changing for them.  It forced the Corinthians to make a choice--grieve and decide to walk away from the faith; or grieve and fight even harder for the spread of the Gospel.  They chose to follow the path of godly grief and that has given them the courage to defend themselves, to display righteous anger.  They still have fear but--on the other hand--longing, zeal, and vindication.  At every point, they made the right decisions and carried them out in the right way.  That was so comforting to Paul and his co-ministers.  Especially Titus, who found rest and peace of mind during his time with the Corinthians.  Paul had bragged so much about this group of believers, and they did not disappoint.  💓

After the sad state we found Paul in yesterday, it's hard to imagine today's headline is Paul's joy.  He and others were not given one minute of reprieve from suffering--fighting and fear physically, mentally, emotionally.  His struggles may make ours seem like nothing, but the same God who comforted Paul comforts us.  Paul gives us another layer of the weapons of righteousness--speaking in our own defense and in the defense of others is NOT wrong.  The guide is the motivation behind our actions.  If it's just grief at the world, then nothing can come of that but death, because the world is cursed by sin.    But a sadness that opens our eyes to salvation, that causes us to seek the better way of the Gospel, that produces zeal that we can't be talked down from!!  My heart is changed by verse 3.  I pray for my heart to be  bound to my fellow believers, to be willing to die and live with them, to find comfort together.  In all our affliction, I pray we are overflowing with joy.